verb · B2

Abolish

uh-BOL-ish/əˈbɒlɪʃ/

To abolish is to end a law, system, or practice by official decision — not merely to pause it. Scrap and get rid of are everyday; cancel is for events and bookings. You abolish slavery, a tax, a rule; you do not abolish a meeting. Abolition is the noun. In speech, do away with is more natural than abolish, which belongs in news, history, and policy.

Meaning

To officially end a law, system, or practice.

Examples

“The school abolished the old uniform rule.”
“Parliament voted to abolish the fee.”
“Campaigners want the city to abolish overnight parking charges.”

Good to know

abolish a law / a system / a practice. Official. Everyday: scrap / do away with. Noun: abolition.

Near in meaning

scrap

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